Have you ever wondered if you can work full-time while being a full-time college student? To give you some insight, we asked a SEMO student to share their experience!
My name is Carson, and I was a student at Southeast Missouri State University, majoring in English with a minor in small-press publishing. I worked full-time, and while my schedule felt overwhelming, I learned that balancing responsibilities early is key.
I had two jobs, worked about 55 hours a week, and took 18 credit hours. To stay organized, I used a planner to schedule daily tasks and plan my week, ensuring nothing was missed. I also used the “Reminders” app on my phone for notifications to help me stay on track.
6 Tips to Keep You on Track
- Use a Planner and Digital Tools
- Schedule your daily tasks and plan your week to ensure nothing is missed.
- Utilize apps like “Reminders” on your phone to set notifications for important deadlines.
- Develop a Routine
- Wake up at the same time every day and stick to a consistent schedule.
- Take regular breaks, such as a lunch break, and set a stopping point for work each day.
- Avoid Distractions
- Limit distractions like Netflix while working or studying.
- Create a focused workspace to improve productivity, especially when working from home.
- Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
- Schedule downtime to relax, recharge, and maintain a work-life balance.
- Avoid overworking by disconnecting from emails and work at a designated time.
- Maximize Spare Minutes
- Use short periods of downtime to tackle small tasks, like reading, drafting a paper, or posting in forums.
- Small efforts during these moments can add up to significant progress.
- Stay Organized and Flexible
- Balance coursework, work commitments, and personal responsibilities by staying organized and adapting as needed.
- Remember that burnout is preventable with good time management and self-care.
Balancing work and school is challenging but not impossible. Stay organized, take breaks, and take care of yourself!